I'm living in Dumaguete and pretty much moved here from the U.S. for the same reasons. Actually, I don't have to teach myself web development because I already

I'm living in Dumaguete and pretty much moved here from the U.S. for the same reasons. Actually, I don't have to teach myself web development because I already do that as a freelance. I don't know of any hacker communities, but maybe you could start one. I have shared a space with another web startup here and that was great. I have thought about picking up an office and creating a real co-working space but the effort required to deal with all the red tape of a foreigner renting commercial space might not be worth it. There is also the problem of foreigners working here remotely on a tourist visa, they probably would rather keep a low profile.